What's New
BY Jen Seyderhelm June 1, 2026
What's New June 30, 2025
New local radio era begins with the launch of STAR 92.1
Reporter
Today marks an exciting new chapter for an iconic radio brand in North East Victoria and Southern New South Wales, with the official launch of STAR 92.1.
Following years of consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 1566AM 3NE has been approved to transition to the FM band.
“This is more than just a frequency change,” said ACE Radio CEO Mark Taylor.
“It’s an opportunity to grow our audience, enhance the listening experience, and deliver even greater results for our advertising partners. With STAR 92.1, we now have two strong FM brands serving the North East and Border region.”
The launch also brings an expanded focus on local content, including a brand-new Breakfast show hosted by Matt Hobbs (main photo), a much-loved local voice who has been part of the Wangaratta station since the late 1990s.
‘Hobbsy,’ as he’s affectionately known, returns to the early shift, reconnecting with the community he has long entertained and informed.
Taylor confirmed today’s launch is the first of several AM-to-FM conversions planned across the ACE Radio network over the next 12 to 18 months.
Grant Johnstone, ACE Chief Marketing Officer, said the debut of STAR 92.1 also marks the beginning of a broader brand transformation across the group.
“We’ve taken this opportunity to rebrand EDGE FM in the market and will be rolling out a refreshed suite of station and corporate branding in the months ahead,” he said.
“Together, EDGE FM and STAR 92.1 will redefine local radio by blending premium music, local news, engaging personalities, and vibrant community involvement.”
STAR 92.1 aims to connect with both long-time listeners and a new generation of fans.
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What's New
BY Jen Seyderhelm June 1, 2026
Your decision to eliminate programs such as 3aw morning shows like Tom Elliot has disappointed my family and I. Your main audience is people 50 years plus.most people I have spoken to are in agreement. I think you have erred in your decision. Younger people do not listen to radio stations as such.podcasts etc.are their main way of getting news and programs. You will lose a lot of listeners.
My family and friends are disappointed with the decision to eliminate programs such as 3aw talk back radio like Tom Elliot show. Your listening audience is mainly 50 plus year old. Most young people listen to Podcasts etc .I think your audience will shrink. Good luck.
Streamed it a bit today. Quite refreshing, bit like an upbeat version of smooth. I’m sure the locals who want the AW fix can pick up 2AY ? Better still ABC
It seems Magic 1278 also adopted a version of this look a couple of weeks ago, except their version is in purple/orange.
Provided that this new ACE Radio branding design language eventually makes its way to all stations, I’ll be rather interested to see the 2UE version. Hopefully with that we might also get refreshed on-air branding that may appeal more to disgruntled 101.7 listeners, along with a local voice at brekky down the track.
On a sad note, it seems Dave Ferguson (previously on 2UE Nights) is no longer heard on the metro ACE Radio music stations, who are now just running music after 7pm rather than midnight as the case was previously. How did Radio Today/RadioInfo miss reporting that one?
Had no idea radio programming had been changed until I put my radio on yesterday morning. I’m not interested in continuous music, boring! Even more annoying, I rang 3NE, and Ace radio, they had no idea what I was talking about, was told to check my radio again. I want to listen to Tom Elliott! What a ridiculous, disappointing move by your establishment, and, I’m spreading the word as fast as I can. Won’t be listening to your station/stations again. There’s a demograph you’ve totally ignored, and I hope your ratings reflect this.
Very disappointing the discover yesterday music playing instead of Tom Elliott being networked in the morning. It’ll be the 3AW app for me from now on.
Csn you tell me how l listen to Tom Elliot now? It is my favorite morning show and keeps me up to date with current issues while on the road.
The 3AW app has the program. https://www.3aw.com.au/new-3aw-app-frequently-asked-questions/
Very disappointed to know that you have taken away the Tom Elliot talk back show … My mum is 91 years old and looked forward to hearing Tom talk every day it kept her up to date with things that were happening… Another music station really, it’s not like my 91 year mum will be dancing listening to the music… just a quiet house now…
Our family has been listening to 3NE since the 1980’s. The change of format to discontinue talback is quite bewildering as this has been part of the station since the days when they broadcast the John Laws program. These programs play a major role in keeping rural people current with contemporary events. They have lost us as listeners as we shall now stream Tom Elliot from 3AW. Great decision Mr. Taylor!
Very disappointed that you have deleted Tom Elliott from you station. The only show I listened to on 1566. You obviously don’t care about older people